Lisnagarvey High School

Child Protection

Child Protection aims to protect all children from harm. Harming children is referred to as child abuse. There are four main categories of child abuse.

Physical Abuse is the deliberate physical injury to a child, or the wilful or neglectful failure to prevent physical injury or suffering.

Emotional Abuse is the persistent emotional ill-treatment of a child as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing the child to take part in sexual activities.

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s physical, emotional and/or psychological needs, likely to result in significant harm.

If a teacher or other staff member suspects a child has been abused they must inform the Designated Teacher (Miss C Johnston) or in their absence the Deputy Designated Teacher (Mrs J Harrison).

Reporting Child Abuse

The school reserves the unilateral right to make a referral about child abuse to appropriate agencies without consultation. The Designated Teacher will make an initial phone call to Social Services. This will be supported by a written report (UNOCINI Form), a copy of which is sent to the Gateway Team in Lurgan, Social Services in Lisburn and to the SEELB’s Designated Officer.

In Lisnagarvey High, we give a high priority to the safety and welfare of our pupils. We aim to provide a caring, supportive and safe environment, valuing individuals for their unique talents and abilities, in which all our young people can learn and develop to full potential.

We seek to create a positive learning environment where pupils, staff and families feel valued. Child Protection is an important issue for all of us and we must ensure that pupils are protected from any form of abuse from any source whatsoever.

All schools are requested by law to have a Child Protection Policy and to communicate this to parents. If you have a concern of any nature regarding your child or any other child please follow the guidelines on the website.

A copy of our policy document “Child Protection in Lisnagarvey High School” is available from the School.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you require further information.

Pastoral